Top 10 best places to visit in Pokhara

Pokhara is a stunning city in western Nepal, famed for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare ranges to the north. Pokhara is well-known as the gateway to the Himalayas. It is a lush green valley with a vacation resort at each stop.  Pokhara is regarded as a city for relaxation and vacations.  There are other sites nearby to explore. Pokhara is every Nepalese’s favorite vacation spot. It is only 200 kilometers from the capital city, making it more accessible by air and road.

It is also a hotspot for relaxation and adventure. Adventure activities include bungee jumping in Kushma and paragliding above Phewa Lake. You can also go to places like Pokhara Fun Park in the evening, which is known for various games. You can sample both national and international cuisines there. You may reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by flying from Tribhuvan International Airport or driving along the Prithvi Highway, which takes around 5 to 8 hours depending on road conditions. Lets discuss in detailed on topic of our blog top 10 best places to visit in Pokhara.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, also known as Fewa Lake or Fewa Tal, is the city’s main attraction, located right in the middle.  It is the second-largest lake in Nepal. The lake serves as a magnet for both residents and international tourists. Phewa Lake is well-known for its magnificent reflection of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges.  The Tal Barahi temple, located in the heart of the Phewa Lake, is thought to have been erected before the lake existed.  You can access the temple via watercraft.

You can also rent a boat for personal use, such as kayaking or rafting, on the lake.  The lake provides an ideal setting for spirituality, photography, and history.  In the evening, you can take a walk along Phewa Lake while sampling the amazing variety of foods available near the lake’s shore, as well as listen to live music near the lake resorts.

Sarangkot

Sarangkot is another popular Pokhara location, famed for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Sarangkot, at 1600 m, remains the mountain ranges’ viewpoint. The site is packed in the evenings and mornings, with tourists flocking to see the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. It is also an adventure hotspot for paragliding.  You may get to Sarangkot by hiking up from Phewa Lake or driving from there.  You can paraglide over Phewa Lake and land in Pame, which is a nearby site at the lake’s start.

Mahendra Cave

Mahendra Cave is another must-see attraction around a 20-minute drive from Phewa Lake. The Mahendra cave, also known as the Mahendra gufa, was formed naturally and is notable for its limestone formation. It was named for the late King Mahendra. The cave is around 200 meters long, and at the end of the cave lies a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which also serves as the cave’s ending point. There are lights inside the cave for the protection of the tourists, allowing them to enter and exit worship conveniently.

Don’t forget to take the adventure, which is merely a small opening from which you can depart if you like.  You will also notice a boy who is waiting for you to embark on the journey so that you can have fun while visiting.

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Bat Cave (Chamero Gufa)

Bat Cave is another stunning cave near the Mahendra Cave, about a 5-minute drive away. It is also a popular tourist spot, and everyone who visits the Mahendra cave goes to the Chamero gufa. The nicest part about the cave is that you can see bats hanging from the ceiling and flying about while making squeaks. The cave is narrow and has an adventurous sense. There will be no artificial lighting, but you will be given a lamp at the entrance, which you can use to explore the cave.

There is also an adventure exit at the end where you can crawl and get out. However, the final section is tiny, and you will need to crawl and use some technique to emerge, so please be mindful of this. If you are unable to depart through the narrow exit, you can return along the same path from which you entered. The cave will provide you with a thrilling and adventurous experience.

Pumdi Kot

Pumdikot is another lovely site in Pokhara that contributes to the promotion of Hindu culture and traditions. It has the largest Lord Shiva statue and a Durga Mata statue close to it. The statue stands 51 feet tall. Not only that, but it is the second tallest statue in Nepal. The statue is adorned with 108 Shiva lingas, which heightens the spiritual atmosphere. In addition, the views of the mountains add to the splendor of the Pumdikot due to its elevation of 1500 meters.

You may get here by hiring a car from Phewa Lake, which is only about a 30-minute drive away. If you wish to incorporate your name in the Pumdikot Sheela Lekh, which entails writing names on stones and pasting them into statues, you can do so by paying some money, which is entirely optional.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)

Another popular tourist attraction in Pokhara is the World Peace Pagoda, often known as the Shanti Stupa. It sits at an elevation of 1100 meters. It is a stunning white Buddhist monument located atop Pokhara’s Andu Hills. It was constructed by Japanese Buddhist monks from the Nipponzan Myohoji group. The pagoda represents peace and harmony for all beings and serves as a symbol of unity across cultures and religions.  Shanti Stupa is also well-known for its stunning mountain views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

To get here, take the same route you did to go to Pumdikot. However, you can hike from Devis Falls. Alternatively, you can take a ride from Phewa Lake to Shanti Stupa. After arriving at the Shanti Stupa, you will be able to take amazing photographs while also experiencing a tranquil and meditative environment. Also, remember to keep silent because this is not a noisy zone.

Devis fall

Devis Fall is another popular site near Phewa Lake.  When driving from Phewa Lake to Pumdikot and Shanti Stupa, you may have observed Davis Falls along the road. Devis Falls is also known as Patale Chango, which means “underground waterfall.” The waterfall is named after a Swiss visitor who fell into it while swimming nearby. After three days, her body was discovered in the Phurse River, which is where the water from Phewa Lake mixes and flows into the river.

Devis Fall’s water flows into deep gorges 500 feet underground. The same waterfall flows inside the Gupteshwor cave, our next destination. Don’t forget to take photos with the statue of Nepali ethnic attire that is kept inside.  You can also visit the local market to find gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones.

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Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is another stunning sight near Devi’s Falls. It’s the exact opposite of the Devil’s Fall. You will pass through the local market and enter it. The Gupteshwor Cave is a naturally formed stalagmite that is recognized as a Shiva linga, hence the name Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Gupteshwor refers to a secret location. The cave entrance lies downstream, and there is a small entrance through which you may pass to see the Galamite.

Giving money and pouring milk on it is a common symbol of good karma.  After that, you can begin your stroll down to the temple to worship. After that, you can resume your walk inside the naturally formed gorge, and you will see the Devil’s Fall cascade from within the cave. Be careful because the path may be slippery and dark, making it difficult to travel. However, reaching the waterfall’s chilly breeze will lift your spirits and allow you to lose yourself in the moment.

Begnas Lake

Begnas Lake is another gorgeous lake near Pokhara. To get here, take an hour’s drive from Phewa Lake. It is also the third largest lake in Nepal, after Phewa Lake. The lake occupies around 3.28 km² of the region. It is less visited, so you can easily rest and enjoy the tranquil environment of the lake. You can go boating, swimming, or fishing here. You can also take boat rides. Also, explore the surrounding areas. You can also trek to the Sundari Danda, which offers stunning views of Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake.

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum is another must-see attraction in Pokhara. It depicts the history, culture, and science of the Alpine region worldwide. It represents the indigenous mountain community. The portion displays the Hall of Fame, which encompasses geology, flora, animals, and unique biodiversity. It also features the Hall of World Mountain, which depicts mountain ranges around the world, their geological forms, and cultural significance. It also features the Yeti exhibit, which is a big white bear with white fur. It is a legendary fable from Tibetan culture.

The outside of the museum features a 31-foot model of Mount Manaslu. It includes the trekkers’ connections. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is only 2.5 kilometers from the lakeshore. Which is only a 15-minute drive from the lake.

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